Russia: Libya combatants not prepared for peace

Moscow refused to support a UN Security Council plan for a permanent ceasefire

Fighters loyal to the Government of National Accord rest in an area south of Tripoli. AFP

Eastern and western warring factions in Libya do not appear ready to reach a lasting peace in the country, Russia's deputy foreign minister said.

Mikhail Bogdanov was quoted by Russian media as saying Moscow saw no evidence that Libya's factions were prepared to introduce military and political decisions reached at a conference in Berlin in January.

This month, Russia abstained from a UN Security Council resolution endorsing the conclusions of the international summit on Libya in the German capital.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said there was agreement at the conference that a tentative truce in Tripoli should be turned into a permanent ceasefire.

It was hoped an end to hostilities would allow a political process for peace to progress but a more solid agreement between the two sides has been elusive.

Mr Bogdanov said the truce announced on January 12 by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the head of the Libyan National Army, and Government of National Accord Prime Minister Fayez Al Sarraj was generally being observed.

Libya has been plagued by instability since 2011 and the toppling of dictator Muammar Qaddafi during the Nato-backed intervention in the country.

In April, Field Marshal Haftar launched an assault on the seat of the GNA in Tripoli. The conflict has drawn in international actors.

Mr Bogdanov also hit out at Turkey on Wednesday for helping foreign fighters reach Libya. Thousands of Syrian fighters have travelled to Libya in recent weeks to support the GNA.

Last week, Turkey repeated allegations that Russia sent 2,500 mercenaries from a private security company to fight in Libya. The claims are denied by Moscow.